Valve releases Steam Deck CAD files. Ideal for modders and other prop makers.
As a rule, manufacturers of proprietary products do not want to publish details about the components. This is understandable as they don’t want competitors to come and copy their products. That being said, in Valve’s case, it looks like the company wants to make a move towards modders for its Steam Deck console.
Valve Releases Steam Deck CAD Files
Indeed, the American company has announced that it has made the CAD files of its handheld console available to interested parties so that they can optionally print them in 3D. And of course, if it’s not obvious to you, these CAD files are only for the chassis of the console and not for the electronic components that are used to make the console work.
So this means that while you can 3D print a console case, you can’t 3D print a fully functional console yourself. According to Valve, this initiative is more geared towards modders and accessory makers who would like to do something with the Steam Deck, such as a carry bag, additional accessories, or peripherals.
Ideal for modders and other prop makers
And we very well imagine that experienced modders will try to make significant changes to the console chassis with their own elements. Having official sizes allows you to be sure that what you are doing will be perfectly adapted. Either way, users will have to dismantle the chassis themselves to attach their 3D printed parts to it. That is, this operation is not recommended for everyone. But if you’re into DIY, if you’re used to 3D printing, if you’re a creative person at heart, it’s great to see Valve releasing CAD files for Steam Deck.